
Connecting with Others
Building a network of people who care about you and your family.
A lot of parents feel too busy or overwhelmed to make new friends or stay connected to the people and activities that bring their life balance. But having social connections isn’t a luxury. It’s an essential resource that can help your entire family.
A network of social connections can offer you the opportunity to give and get practical support and celebrate your successes. Talking things over with trusted friends or family can help you recharge and see problems in a new way. Feeling valued and understood, and knowing you can turn to others for acceptance, advice or a helping hand can help you be a happier and more confident parent.
Hear from parents

Having someone to talk to. It’s important… to have someone to bounce ideas off of, thoughts off of, problems off of.”
-Barbara
Connecting with Others can look like…

Trying something new to make new friends

Surrounding kids with supportive, caring adults

Turning off your devices when it’s time to connect
Ask Yourself…
There are no right answers. Thinking about these questions can help you understand your family’s strengths.



Connecting with Others doesn’t have to be complicated.
Building trusting relationships and staying connected can be as simple as calling a friend, making a play date, joining a new community group or offering to help out a neighbor. Sometimes reaching out to others can feel awkward, but it gets easier with practice.
The 5 Strengths are also called Protective Factors.

The language some people use to describe the 5 Strengths may be different. They are also called Protective Factors. But no matter which words you use, research has shown how important these strengths are for families as they navigate the challenges and joys of daily life.
Connecting with Others

Social Connections
Share Your Strength
Tell us about the strategies you used to grow stronger during a challenging time for your family. By sharing, you might help another family get ideas. And together we can all become stronger. By submitting a story, all or part of it may be posted on this website. See Policy on Further Disclosure or Use.
The Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board may use or share my story or any part of it for public awareness and educational purposes. I also understand the Prevention Board may edit my story for length or content. By granting my permission, I release the Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, its employees, directors, and agents from any liability related to the disclosure or use of my story or any part of my story.


Share Your Strength
Tell us about the strategies you used to grow stronger during a challenging time for your family. By sharing, you might help another family get ideas. And together we can all become stronger. By submitting a story, all or part of it may be posted on this website. See Policy on Further Disclosure or Use.
The Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board may use or share my story or any part of it for public awareness and educational purposes. I also understand the Prevention Board may edit my story for length or content. By granting my permission, I release the Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, its employees, directors, and agents from any liability related to the disclosure or use of my story or any part of my story.
Thank you!
Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your family. We are unable to publish every story and stories will not appear immediately after being submitted. Stories may be edited for length and context. Also, stories may be incorporated into other Prevention Board resources and materials. Questions? Learn more about our Policy on Further Disclosure or Use.
The Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board may use or share my story or any part of it for public awareness and educational purposes. I also understand the Prevention Board may edit my story for length or content. By granting my permission, I release the Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, its employees, directors, and agents from any liability related to the disclosure or use of my story or any part of my story.


Strong families are important.
Strong families support their friends, their communities and future generations.